The beta works with Ubuntu 12.04 and includes Big Picture mode from the offset. That means you can hook your Linux PC up to a TV and play games with a controller if you so wish.

Valve has also confirmed that at least another 24 games on Steam are already compatible with Linux. We originally thought there were at least 15. So when it does finally launch, there is going to be more than enough titles to get you started.

If you signed up for the beta and haven’t been selected for this round, don’t worry. Valve had over 60,000 people show an interest and fully intends to slowly increase the number of beta testers in the coming days/weeks. They have also confirmed at some point the beta tag will be removed sooner rather than later, and anyone running Ubuntu will be able to download and start playing with it.

Steam for Linux is expected to become available before the end of the year, meaning Valve has a maximum of 8 weeks to work all the kinks out and let everyone start playing. The fact there 24+ games already compatible makes me think we’ll get it well before the end of December.

Speak Your Mind

ArKineX

Hopefully Steam will pave the way for gaming in native Linux!!!

Hazode

It had to happen sooner or later, thank god Windows 8 came along to push Valve onto Linux systems. Maybe in a few years I will be able to go onto Ubuntu and still be able to play all my games. Well, not all. But the ones on Steam. Hopefully